Bernese Mountain Dog

Guardian Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds, developed when the invading Romans bred their mastiffs to local flock-guarding dogs, and is the only one with a full coat. Refined in the Berne region, dogs of this breed were routinely used for multiple jobs. These included: general farm worker; flock guardian; and draft dog. The breed is characterized by the classic, striking Sennenhund tri-coloring (black ground color, with rust and white markings).

The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

General Appearance

The Bernese Mountain Dog is large, sturdy, balanced and agile, reflecting its historical origin and uses. They are slightly longer than tall, though sometimes appearing square. Their substantial and sturdy bone is characteristic of the breed. Males denote a masculine appearance and females are distinctly feminine. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in a natural appearance; unnecessary trimming is not desirable.

Characteristics

The breed is self-confident, alert and vigilant. They are good natured and reliable with their families and self assured and accepting with strangers.

Head

The head is strong but not too massive, in balance with the size of the dog.

SKULL

The skull is broad and slightly rounded. It has a slight furrow leading to a well-defined, but not exaggerated, stop.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is straight and strong. The breed is dry-mouthed, having clean lips that are black in color and only slightly developed flews.

TEETH

A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. A level bite is acceptable.

EYES

NOSE

The nose is always black.

EARS

The ears are triangular in shape and of medium size, gently rounded at the tip. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. They are set high, and hang close to the head when at rest. When the dog is alert, the ears are raised at the base and brought forward, with the front edge remaining close to the cheek.

Neck

The medium length neck is strong, muscular and well set on.

Forequarters

The flat-lying, well-muscled, tight shoulders are well laid back, forming a good angle with the upper arm.

FORELEGS

The forelegs are straight and strong. The elbows are close to the chest. The pasterns slope very slightly. Dewclaws may be removed.

Severe Fault: Weak pasterns.

Body

The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is broad, with well-sprung, deep ribs which reach to the elbows and a well developed forechest. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded.

Faults: Overly long or thin body.

Hindquarters

The upper and lower thighs are broad, strong and muscular. Stifles are distinctly bent. The hock joint is well angulated. The rear pasterns are straight when viewed from the rear. Rear dewclaws should be removed.

Feet

The feet are compact and round, with well-arched toes.
Fault: Feet which turn in or out.

Tail

The bushy tail is carried low when in repose; an upward swirl is allowed when the dog is alert or moving, but the tail is never curled over the back. The tail bones are straight and reach to or below the hock joints.

Coat

The thick, single coat has a bright, natural sheen. It may be slightly wavy or straight.

Severe Faults: Extremely curly or extremely dull coats.

Color

The tri-colored coat is a breed characteristic. The ground color is always jet black. Markings are rich rust and clear white in color. Symmetry of markings is desirable. This includes: rust over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corners of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs and under the tail. White markings include a blaze and muzzle band, as well as an inverted cross on the chest and a white tail tip. White on the feet is desirable, but does not extend higher past the pastern area.

Faults: Any deviation from the desired markings are faulted in relation to the extent of their deviation.
Disqualification: Albinism. Any ground color other than black. Any color combination other than tri-color.

Size

Males: 25 to 27½ inches. Females: 23 to 26 inches.

Gait

The natural, normal gait is a slow trot, but the dogs are capable of speed and agility. The dogs exhibit good reach and powerful drive, without any wasted action. As speed increases, the dogs tend to single track.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Wall eyes.
Entropian or ectropian.
Undershot or overshot bites.
Wry mouth.
Kink tail.
Ring tail.
Any ground color other than black.
Any color combination other than tri-color.
Albinism.